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The Academy I always felt like I had something within me, something strong and powerful that yearned to escape its confinement. I'd been intrigued by it and frightened by it at the same time. At times I wondered if everyone felt the same thing, but no one ever hinted that they had something lurking inside them. I would have liked to talk to my mom about it, but she was a thousand miles away and never spent any time with me. My father was long gone, supposedly leaving my mom before I was born. She never mentioned him so I suspect he's dead or abandoned us. I was born at and have lived my entire life at a full-time educational institution nestled into the Colorado Rocky Mountains called the Academy. The staff here tells me the Academy is for the select few people in the world that have magic, which is odd, as I don't have any magic whatsoever. For the first years of my life I remember my mom visiting me, but after that I only received vague letters from her once a year, but she's the only family I have. It's been eleven years since I saw her last. That was when she told me she loved me but had to go away for a while. I was six at the time. I remember that she was beautiful with bright blue eyes and long brown hair. I've been told about life outside of the Academy; that there are lots of people and cities, wide open spaces, oceans, airplanes, and cars. My classes explain to me about the outside world but unless you actually live in it and see it, it's nothing but stories. Of course I have the Academy approved television stations, but my reality is within the twenty-foot tall walls of this thirty-acre facility. My classmates are, to say it nicely, odd. I'm not like any of them, so perhaps it's me that's odd. They all can do things that I simply can't do. The girls heal animals, create shields of light, cast magical locks, create illusions and glamour, encourage growth, and do protective sorts of things. The boys create balls of fire, bolts of lightning, freeze things, move objects, and generally cause mayhem and destruction. In a way they are all like me in that their parents left them here, but they shy away from me; the nerdy kid that wears thick glasses, has an asymmetrical face, is uncoordinated, short, big kneed, and thin legged. Now, at the age of seventeen I often wonder if I was mistakenly placed here. Everyone but me gets to attend special classes for learning about magic, but I'm not allowed to attend until I 'manifest'. The only thing I ever manifest is an insatiable appetite for knowledge and technology. Instead of afternoon magic classes I get cafeteria duty cleaning up the other kid's messes after lunch. If I complete my cleaning tasks in a timely manner I get to spend any extra time in the library working on computers. I don't usually spend a lot of time pondering my life. It is what it is and I don't really know what life would be like had my circumstances been different. However this morning everything felt off and instead of getting up from bed in my usual way, I lay here trying to ignore my gurgling stomach and headache by reminiscing. Finally I built the courage to I roll myself out of bed, cringing with the aches and pains I was feeling. Maybe I have the flu or perhaps I'm feeling the aches and pains of aging like Old Man Harris, our history teacher. It could easily be that one of the boys froze my bed or heated up my toes while I was sleeping as they were always picking on me, the queer, ungainly kid that wasn't special like them. Of course, it could also be the girls that grew some bad bacteria in my food or were merely giving me the illusion of being sick. The truth is I'd never been sick before, so I doubt it was the flu. I looked at myself in the small mirror on the back of my door of my tiny room and winced. I recognized ugly when I saw it and that was me. I lived with it knowing there was no hope, but secretly I never felt right in my own skin. I finally got changed and headed towards the nurse's office. The hallways were pretty empty this time of morning but they'd be filled soon. I was grateful to not have ice patches form under my feet or someone starting my books on fire. I stepped into the tranquil medical area that smelled vaguely of antiseptic. A pretty girl, really a very beautiful auburn-haired young woman with startling green eyes about nineteen years old checked me in. "You're Percy Jackson." I hated having the same name as the fictional son of a god with special abilities. It made it even more apparent that I was different. With my looks and lack of magical ability, I've been ignored and cast aside in this strange society I live in. This made it so strange that someone, especially a pretty young woman would know me at all. I blinked and looked at her strangely. "How do you know my name?" A hint of pink rose in her cheeks. "I had to pick someone in the school to diagnose as part of my internship. I chose you." "What do you mean, diagnose? I'm not diseased and I've never come in here before except that time when my hot mashed potatoes suddenly flew into my face." "I'm sorry, Percy. Everyone knows you're different. I wanted to find out why you were different." "Nice to know I'm recognized for something, even if it is for being different. Did you discover anything?" "No. Everywhere I turned I was blocked. Your records are sealed and the administrators wouldn't talk to me. I was too embarrassed to directly ask you your history. I wound up having to choose someone else in the end. Why did you come in today?" "I'm not feeling well. I ache all over." She raised an eyebrow at me. "Really?" "Yes." I was beginning to get a little frustrated. "Let me check a few of your vitals before the real nurse comes in." She sat me down and checked my temperature and blood pressure, then looked in my mouth. "Everything appears normal. Hmmmm." She reached for a really strange looking device with an LCD screen and some probes. "Has anyone ever used a magnetoelectrophysioscope on you before?" "Not that I can ever recall. What does it do?" "Oh... You wouldn't know because you're not in the magic classes... Let me hook it up to you." She placed some leads on me, some wires went to a glass of water with some kind of plant in it, then back to the handheld device. "Okay, all set. I just touch this button here and..." The glass of water shattered, the plant burst into blooms then into flames, and I was thrown back ten feet. "Ouch! If I wasn't feeling bad enough before, I most certainly am now." "I'm so sorry, Percy! I've never seen anything like that happen before." She helped me to my feet and ran her hands over my head. It was such a genuine touch of concern that it caught me completely off guard. The PA system let out an annoying feedback squawk. "Percy Jackson, please report to the board room immediately." I turned to leave. "Percy? Please come back to see me. I have some theories about you." I shrugged and stepped out into a now busy hallway. At least she'd spoken to me like I was a real human. But theories as to why I wasn't special? I sighed and tried to make myself inconspicuous as I headed towards the board room. That was a scary place. People that entered there often never came back. Usually they were released or expelled the same day. As I walked, my books suddenly went flying ahead of me and I heard snickers behind me. I looked back to see Brad Montgomery, school bigshot. I couldn't believe the girls all fawned over him like he was some god. I scrambled to collect my books and opened the door to the administrative offices. "Ah, Percy. Everyone's waiting for you. Please go in." The administrative assistant with a shiny nameplate that read "Joan Hollister" peered out at me form behind her computer screen. "What's this about?" "I've no idea. Go on, you don't want to keep them waiting." I stepped into the large board room and saw a dozen people there. The door closed ominously behind me. "Oh my! You've grown so much!" A lady with long dark brown hair and blue eyes was staring at me. "Mom?" "Yes!" She ran over and hugged me tight. It felt like she put her hand in my back pocket, but I must of imagined it as she pulled away quickly. She had tears in her eyes. "What's going on?" "Percy, please take a seat." A grizzled old man with a white beard pointed to a chair in the center of the room. It sort of reminded me of a firing squad or perhaps a seat for the defendant on trial. I hesitantly complied and looked over at my mom who remained standing and still wiping tears. "Do you know what tomorrow is?" What kind of remedial question is that? "Today is Monday, that would make tomorrow Tuesday." He looked angrily at me as if he was about to turn me into a bowl of cherry Jell-O, which, in all likelihood, he could. "Tomorrow is your eighteenth birthday." "Really? How come you know when my birthday is but I don't? Is that why my mom is here? Do I get cake and ice cream?" I know I was being a bit of a jerk, but I never appreciated being left out of crucial information, especially when it related to me. "None of that's important. What's important is that we fully believe your magic will manifest tomorrow." "Magic? Like making balls of fire? Cool." "Percy, listen to me. You're different than the other students here." "No kidding. For my entire life I've been bullied and picked on because I can't move a lettuce leaf without touching it and you finally realize I'm different?" I was getting a little pissed and I was feeling worse and worse physically as the minutes rolled by. The old man sighed and glared at me. "You've done nothing to prepare him? Are you insane?" My mom was yelling at them. "Get her out of here! You should have never come, Elizabeth. It's just making matters worse." I watched as two men dragged her out of the board room. I thought for a second she mouthed the words 'I love you' to me. "Hey, old man! Leave her alone!" The old man scowled at me. I had enough. I turned and started walking out when I froze in place. I couldn't move a muscle. "You will sit down and listen to me!" I frowned but could move again so I sat back down. There's no defense against magic with the exception of magic. I knew that much at least. "Your father was a Xenomorph and your mother is a magic user just like the others in the Academy. Do you know what a Xenomorph is?" "Never heard of it. It sounds like some kind of experimental drug." "A Xenomorph is like a changeling. They're very rare and when they partner with a magic user... Let's just say we're not entirely sure what the result will be and that's why you've been here your entire life. You see, Xenomorphs and regular humans can't produce offspring together, which makes you a bit of an anomoly. Xenomorphs have a unique set of magic, not like regular magic users that tend to specialize. They're not as powerful, but their constitution is more robust, they tend to be stronger, faster, and have keener senses than the rest of us. How that works with someone like yourself is yet to be determined. A Xenomorph will physically change and inherit their magical abilities on their eighteenth birthday. Up until that point nothing manifests. We've kept you here to keep you and others safe until this day. Had you lived outside of the Academy and you obtained your powers, you could possibly be a danger to yourself or all of those around you. Here, we have a controlled environment and can protect you and others. After tomorrow, assuming your magic manifests, you'll need training and will start attending the special classes." Someone came in and spoke into the ear of the old man. He turned back to me. "Go back to your room now. You're free from school for the next few days." I got up and walked back into the hallway. I was angry. This was ridiculous. I sighed and a sudden wave of nausea swept over me. I went back to the nurse's office. "Percy! I'm glad you're back. What happened?" "Nothing. Some old fart told me my birthday is tomorrow and something about me gaining my magical powers." The young woman looked over her shoulder as if making sure no one was around. "That 'old fart' is probably Alexander Ripken, Chancellor of the Academy. Let me guess. Your parents were Xenomorphs?" "My father apparently was but not my mother. How did you know?" "Really? I've never heard that happening before. Did they tell you what you're in for?" I looked at her questioningly. "Thirty years to life apparently. I have no idea what all of this means. They said they kept me here all these years to protect me. Why is everyone acting so strange?" "Percy... I think I know what's going on but I can't say anything. You're a nice guy, far better than the other guys around here. You're also witty and smart and it's a real shame you're not recognized for who you are. You know you're kind to others and not all snobby like other people. I like that about you." "Why can't you tell me anything?" "Because I may be wrong and I'd probably get into trouble. If what I suspect is correct, you're going to need to rest. I suggest you go to your room and try to sleep." She reached out and grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently. I blushed furiously. "My name's Jen. Consider me your friend and come see me first thing tomorrow morning." I stood and turned, unable to shake the queasiness and the fact that everyone was completely bonkers. I walked slowly back to my room and stripped out of my clothes with the exception of my underwear. It was then I noticed some paper in my back pocket. I pulled it out and opened it. 'My beloved son, Percy; I'm sure you're confused right now and maybe you want nothing to do with me, but I need you to know I never wanted any of this for you. Your life is about to change in a radical way. It may seem like the end of the world to you, but it isn't... it's just the beginning of something wonderful. Incredibly wonderful. I never sent you here, I was forced to give birth and have you raised here. Your father is a powerful Xenomorph. IS, meaning he's still alive. The Academy is a group that controls magic users. I escaped many years ago from the Academy and in the time I was free I met your father. Eventually the Academy found us and took your father away. When they realized I was pregnant with you they brought me here so you could be born in a controlled environment. They would have killed your father had I not left you here. Know that every day of my life I have loved you and lived with the regret of not choosing to keep you with me and fight the Academy. Your father loves you too. The last time I saw him was when you were six years old. They had just let him know that he was a father and showed him pictures of you and made me confirm this before they sent me away. There are horrible people running the Academy and they'll do anything to inflict pain and suffering on our family. You're in danger. You are very unique and special and the Academy knows it. They fully expect you to manifest your powers on your eighteenth birthday. Once you gain your powers the Academy will work to limit your abilities and restrict your training in an effort to control you and ultimately exploit you. I urge you to play along and limit your magic use. If they see the potential in you and fear their ability to control you, they'll kill or imprison you. I pray you'll know when the right time is and you'll leave this place forever. This may be hard to believe, but Xenomorphs change genders on their eighteenth birthday. Your father was a girl for his first seventeen years of his life. I'll let you figure out what that means for you. I love you always have! Mom. PS: Destroy this letter. If they find out I've contacted you this way, they'll kill your father and me.' I re-read the letter a dozen times. So much of it was disturbing to me and yet I always got stuck on the changing genders line. I went to the little dorm room kitchen and put the letter into the garbage disposal, chopped it up, and let it go down the drain. Another wave of nausea poured over me and I rushed back to bed. A girl. I was going to be a girl. What did I ever do to deserve this? *** At some point I fell into an exhausted sleep. When I woke I was dazed, confused, and famished. I opened my eyes and didn't move a muscle. The nausea was gone, that was a good thing. I felt perfectly fine and healthy. If I just stayed here like this I might never know if I even changed except for several things. My vision was perfect even without my glasses and I could smell the musky odor of the communal boy's bathroom in the dorm room area. With all the strangeness of events yesterday I halfway expected my room to be full of people staring down at my mostly naked body. I was enormously grateful for the privacy. I wiggled a finger first, then my toes. That didn't feel much different than yesterday. I moved my arm so I could look at my hand. Oh God! It was definitely a feminine hand. Perhaps it was something of the Xenomorph DNA or that my brain was altered to help me deal with the changes, but I gritted my teeth and pushed myself upright. Enough was enough. If I was a girl then I was a girl. The really scary part was what did I look like? I immediately felt a weight on my chest shift when I sat up and long slightly curly dark brown hair drifted in front of my eyes. I looked down upon the first female breasts I'd ever seen. At least seen uncovered. They looked huge. My hands couldn't hold them. I stood, expecting myself to feel awkward and off balance, but I wasn't at all. Maybe this was another Xenomorph bonus? My underwear was now stretched over my wider hips. I pulled them down much to my relief as they were pinching and tight. I peered past my breasts, beyond my flat stomach, and to the gap between my legs. At least I wasn't fat. I glanced at a mirror on the back of the door to my room. Did I dare? I crept slowly up to it and looked. "Wow!" was all I could say as my soft sensual feminine voice caught in my throat. I vaguely looked like my mother, albeit much younger and I dare say far more beautiful. Stunning. I couldn't see my entire body, but what I did see was amazing. Breathtaking. I'd been a wiry, nerdy kid with glasses, crazy poor teeth, lopsided features, big ears, and short. Now I was taller, my teeth were perfect, my blue eyes radiated vibrant life, and from what I could see of my body, I was model material. And I was naked. And I had no clothes. And I was starving. And I needed to go to the bathroom really badly. I looked down to see that a note had been slid under my door. I opened it. 'Percy, If I guessed right, you'll need some clothes about now. I left a dress and underwear outside your door. Sorry it's a dress, but at least it should fit. Come see me as soon as you can! Jen' Jen. That was very thoughtful of her. I wrapped a blanket around me and slowly opened the door. A brown paper bag sat there which I snatched and pulled into my room with fervor. The whole scene reminded me of some sort of clandestine spy thriller. What was in the secret brown bag? I dumped the contents on my bed. There were flip flops, panties, a red dress, and what appeared to be a frilly white t-shirt type thing. I guessed that was to hold my breasts in absence of a bra. I was trying hard to focus on the tasks at hand. My body felt so lithe and graceful as it moved and I wanted to explore myself, but the urgency of my bladder forced me to get dressed so I could ultimately go to the bathroom. Food could wait until after I saw Jen. I slipped on the panties and smiled at the smoothness of my legs. I squeezed into the t-shirt then pulled the dress on over top. I was pleased with the feel of the light airy dress. I snuck out of my room checking all directions to make sure the way was clear, finally realizing that school had already started and the rest of the students were in class. I was very happy as it allowed me to run to the bathrooms down the hall. It just didn't seem right to use the communal boy's bathroom in the dorm room area. I stared at the two doors for a moment realizing I'd always wondered what the girl's bathroom looked like. I pictured televisions and flowers, sweet smelling perfumes, gold plated hardware, and couches. I slowly pushed the door open and was sad to see it rather plain. Just another bathroom with no urinals. The one thing I lost... being able to pee standing up. I quickly sat down and relieved myself, a little shocked at the lack of control. I wiped myself dry and noticed how pleasant that action felt. When I left the stall I stood transfixed as I looked at myself in the large mirror over the sinks. Even with wild hair I was a knockout. I took a moment to peek under my dress once again at my breasts and pressed my hands to them. They were so sensitive and large. At least they seemed large to me but when I looked at myself in the mirror I could tell they looked to be the perfect size. The dress, although ill fitting, did nothing to hide my trim waist and wider hips. My legs looked long and toned. I washed and felt rather happy as I headed to the nurse's station. When I stepped inside Jen looked at me with wide eyes. "Had I not known, I would have never believed it. Percy, you're gorgeous!" She hugged me close. "My research was right. Xenomorphs not only change genders, but they also change from handsome to ugly, or in your case, I hate to say it, ugly to beautiful. How are you feeling?" "I feel incredible, but I'm starving." "Of course you are! The Xenomorph transformations take a lot out of your body. Come with me!" She took my hand in hers and led me down to the cafeteria, which was rather full of people and very frightening. I felt extremely self- conscious. Everyone turned to look at me. The pretty girl section stood open mouthed, the jock section was drooling with lust, the Goth section grimaced but they seemed to give me a look of 'she'd be pretty cute with dark clothes on'. "Ignore them," Jen pushed me along and soon I was loading up my plate. We went to a quiet corner and I started eating. "How was it?" "The transformation? Nauseating. But I feel great now. I wish I could speak with another Xenomorph as I just don't understand how my brain is handling this change." 'Have you felt your magic?" "Hmm?" "Your magic. The test I did yesterday shows magical potential. It was off the charts. Have you felt it?" Come to think of it, I did feel it. A huge well of energy bubbling within me. I remembered my mom's letter. "Maybe... there's a little something there." One of the pretty girls walked over and snickered as she saw my plateful of food. "Who's the new girl? I bet you're glamouring yourself. Let me fix that for you." I felt a wave of magic come my way. I'd never felt magic before even when I was the target. I could see the magic in my mind. She was trying to remove a glamour spell. I let the magic simply dissipate. The girl looked frustrated. "That's not possible! No one can be that pretty." I smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you. You'll have to blame my parents." "This is Amanda Jackson." The girl humphed and left. "Amanda?" "Do you like it?" I let the name roll around in my mind a bit. "I do, actually." "You're taking this very well. Is that a Xenomorph thing?" "I've no idea. I didn't even know Xenomorphs existed until yesterday. Let alone that I was one." "That's right. Until your magic manifests you're not allowed to be in the special classes and thus you wouldn't know yet. I admit our classes on magical races didn't say much about Xenomorphs though." The PA squawked. "Percy Jackson to the board room." I groaned and stuffed another few bites into my mouth. Jen walked with me as Brad Montgomery stepped in front of us. "Hey Babe." He held a little ball of fire in his hand obviously trying to show off. I tried to ignore him and walk around. "I'm talking to you, girl. You and me should go out together." He was looking me in the eyes. I highly disliked Brad and his poor grammar. Even though I was very self-conscious I felt a sudden surge of confidence. "Jen, you know what they say about boys and their fireballs?" She looked at me questioningly. "No..." "The size of their fireball is a direct representation of their penis size." I turned to Brad. "Not interested." I looked at his fireball and it fizzled into a little spark. "What the hell?" I could see him concentrating on his fireball and frowning as the people around him were laughing. When we got to the hall Jen stared at me. "Did you do that?" "Do what?" "Make his fireball disappear." "I don't think so. I know nothing about magic. Besides, girls don't do fire magic, do they?" "No. God, that was priceless!" Jen waited outside of the board room for me. Knowing she was there made me feel safer somehow. The grizzled old guy, Alexander, and all of them looked me over. They appeared pretty astonished. I was astonished so I didn't blame them in the least. "I'm not one for encouraging words, but, your new look, Percy, is nothing short of beautiful." The others nodded. "How are you feeling and where did you find the clothing?" I thought about my mom's letter and perhaps it was the new female hormones or Xenomorph DNA, but I adopted a much more compliant and tactful approach today. I'd seen how pretty girls could bat their eyes and get extra desert in the cafeteria. I could be demure, sweet, gentle, then when I'm ready, unleash the tiger, I mean tigress within me. "I'm feeling very well, thank you." I said it softly and with a gentle kindness to my words. "I was feeling very nauseous when we met yesterday and I went to the nurse's station. Jen, the intern there, suspected what I was going through and left me the clothes. It was very thoughtful of her. She's very kind. I... I'm sorry for how I responded yesterday." I thought adding a little humility might be a nice touch. "And what of your magic? Are you feeling it, sensing it? How are you adjusting?" "Yes, it's there, almost like a wall has been removed. It has a soothing touch to it. Of course, I have no idea what to do with it. Should it feel like there's a lot or a little? It feels like there's not much there at all. Logically I think I should be freaking out, but somehow I feel very much at peace with the new me." He smiled, even if his smile had a slightly sinister look to it. "You've been assigned a new room in the girl's quarters. Check with Joan when you leave for some boxes and your new room number. With your pleasant and cooperative demeanor I'm authorizing you to leave the Academy tomorrow for a day of shopping. You need new clothes and other things." My eyes lit up and I smiled brightly. "Really?" "We so rarely get a Xenomorph at the Academy. To be honest, we were unprepared for the extent of your change and your sudden appearance at the Academy will need to be explained. Ms. Baxter will chaperone your shopping experience so you can get some new clothes which will help you with settling into your new life. It would, perhaps, be in your best interest to also bring another girl your age to get the right perspective on clothes. We all feel badly about the bullying you experienced in the past and we'd hate to see that continue due to you only having hand-me-down clothes. Ms. Baxter, bless her, is old enough to not know the styles of our youth." I watched the slightly overweight gray-haired lady snort. I was thinking the softness of their attitudes was a way of making me feel comfortable, even pliable to their wants. To get out of the Academy I'd be very pliable. "Perhaps Jen could accompany us? What about my mom? Could she also come with me?" I watched as his eyes narrowed slightly and grew darker. "Jen going is fine. We'll consider allowing your mother to go. Be ready at seven in the morning tomorrow. Now, on to other matters. Have you considered a new name?" "I sort of stumbled into a new one at the cafeteria earlier. Amanda." "That's fine. Tell Joan your new name and she'll register it everywhere for you. As of now, Percy has been removed from the school. Amanda Jackson is his cousin and you were attending our other Academy in New England. Make sure you eat and get plenty of rest today as your body has gone through a tremendous change." He elaborated on some additional background details for me in case I was questioned. "I will. Thank you again!" I left the board room and Joan gave me two flattened boxes and a new room number in the girl's area. She took my new name and immediately started typing on her computer. I saw the record for Percy Jackson be deleted and she started a new one for Amanda Jackson. It was a little disconcerting that in seconds, Percy was gone forever. Jen took my arm in hers. "So what did they say?" "They're letting me go on a shopping trip off campus tomorrow." "That's amazing! I've been at the Academy since I was three. I'd kill to see outside of this place." "You're coming with me." I added shyly. "That's if you want to go. They said I could take someone with me." "You're joking." "We need to be at the board room at seven in the morning tomorrow." "You're not joking?" The hug she gave me made me very aware of my new body. To heck with the Xenomorph DNA or brain structure helping normalize my change. To feel her breasts against mine, the fruity scent of her hair, and the warmth of her body pressing against me caused me to tingle all over. When she pulled back I was breathing heavily and more than a little embarrassed. She looked at me strangely. "When you changed... do you uhm... like guys now?" "What? No! Eww!" She beamed a brilliant smile at me and took my arm again. "Good, because I'm not into guys either. This is going to be so much fun!" Jen stopped in at the nurse's office and was allowed to spend the rest of the day with me and tomorrow as well. Jen told me that the nurse thought it was good someone was keeping an eye on me. I wanted to hurry as I didn't want the boys to come back to the rooms to find me still there. I'd rather not have anyone know who I was before. This could give me a new start on life and I was more than anxious to leave Percy behind. Jen and I went to my room and I took my books and little trinkets that made my room my own. None of the clothes or shoes would fit. They'd get cleaned and repurposed as the Academy recycled everything. I found it still strange that I wasn't forced into wearing hand-me-downs of girl's clothing. They wanted to portray me as someone new, or maybe this was their way of making me compliant. Either way I was fine with it. Jen carried one of the boxes for me and I had the other one. I actually felt stronger than before. I watched how Jen kept her box lower than her breasts and I adjusted mine feeling it much more comfortable. "What's your new room number?" "Twenty-four." "You're just a few doors down from me then!" We found my new room and I felt a little awkward wandering through the girl's area. It took no time at all to unload the boxes and organize everything. "Jen?" "Yes?" "Shouldn't you be leaving the Academy soon? You're older than some of the others." "I'm almost twenty, but the Academy treats everyone uniquely when it comes to the special classes. My healing skill is high which is why they have me interning with the nurse. I've graduated to mentoring sessions to fine tune my magic and next week I start my two hours per week in preparation to integrate into society. They even suggested maybe I could take over the nurse's area and stay here long-term." I glanced furtively at her. "I've never really had a friend before. I'd hate to see you leave." Jen's eyes sparkled. "You're sweet. I suspect you'll be here another five years catching up before they consider letting you integrate into society. Maybe if you do well on your training we could leave together? There's not much to see here, but let me show you around." I started to pick up on the way Jen had shifted her conversation around me. She'd called me gorgeous and sweet. The people in the board room called me beautiful. Was this what life was like for a pretty girl? Jen showed me her room, which had a nice feminine look to it and it smelled heavenly. I noticed a picture of her parents. "How did you get a picture like that?" She looked at me strangely. "My parents visit every month. Yours don't visit?" "I saw my mom for the first time in ages yesterday. The last time I saw her was eleven years ago." "I know a few others like that, but most have regular visits. My parents are benefactors of the Academy." She said it rather proudly. Perhaps my mom was wrong about the Academy but still, it made me a little wary that Jen's parents gave money to it. Jen led me into the girl's common area and bathrooms which both were like the Holy Grail for boys. No boys were ever allowed near those areas. The common area was much like the boy's, just a different color scheme. They had the same Academy run television. The bathroom seemed a little larger and had private stalls for the showers. I liked that as in the boy's it was a free for all and everyone's junk was on display. I received more than my fair share of bullying in those showers. I glanced at myself in the mirror and paused. Jen stood behind me and slightly to my left. "What's it like, Amanda?" "It's like looking into a television at someone else and yet knowing it's a reflection. I'm sure being a Xenomorph helps with the adjustment, but my brain simply hasn't registered that who I'm looking at is really me yet. I feel normal, almost too normal. I wonder if that's the way I'm supposed to feel?" "From what I read about Xenomorphs, your changed state is actually your steady state. When you're born you carry the essence of being a girl with you. If you're feeling more normal now, perhaps you weren't feeling quite normal as a boy before?" "I never felt comfortable as me before, but you said it quite plainly, I was ugly before. Maybe that's why." Jen winced. "I'm sorry, Amanda. I didn't mean you were ugly before." "We both know I was." "But you had a great personality and you're very intelligent." "Isn't that what you say when trying to set up someone on a blind date?" Jen giggled and I stared at us both. Jen was taller than me by a few inches. She must have been five foot ten. She was tall and lean with a beautiful figure. Her lips looked so kissable, but then again so did mine. Where she was girl next door sort of pretty with innocent looks, I was the Ferrari on the show room floor. I grabbed my hair and noticed it was looking a little stringy. I frowned at it. Jen caught on right away. "Would you like to borrow some of my shampoo and conditioner? It's another hour yet until the end of classes and you'll have the entire bathroom to yourself if you wanted to shower." "I'd love that. Thank you." Jen turned to find her shampoo. She returned a few moments later with two towels and a hair brush as well. "One towel for your hair. You can have this brush, it's new and I've not used it yet." "Thank you!" I found a shower stall and stripped out of my clothes. My clothes didn't really fit that well, but they were better than nothing at this point. I started the shower and took time to fully examine myself inch by inch. The ugly duckling story came to mind. I was flawless. My skin was smooth and even toned. My toes were perfect, if one could think toes could be perfect. I didn't see a single mole and what I could see of my backside was that it was perfectly toned and shaped. I grabbed the soap and began washing myself and really got caught up in the moment focusing on my breasts and between my legs. They sure felt good. Amazingly good when I ran my hands over them. I washed my hair and used conditioner for the first time. I had very long hair and it would take some time getting used to how to care for it. I loved it though and wouldn't even consider the possibility of cutting it. Finally I felt clean and I shut the shower off and dried myself up. I changed back into my clothes and stepped in front of the mirrors to brush out my hair. I spotted a hair drier and used that to help my hair dry faster. Soon I had glossy hair that shone in the light. I loved the light natural curl to it. I took the shampoo and conditioner back to Jen's room. She was waiting there for me. "How was your shower? You took your time in there." I felt the heat rise to my face. "I've never seen a girl's body before today. At least without clothes." She smiled and walked over to me and stroked my hair. "You've got such beautiful hair. I wouldn't mind seeing more of you." Her fingers trailed down my arm. I was clueless. "I'd like that. It'll be nice shopping with you tomorrow." "That's not what I meant, but yes, it will be nice." Suddenly the girl's dorm area was filled with noise as the girls all returned from classes. Jen pulled her hand away. "Come on, let's meet the girls. I mean you already probably know most of them, but they certainly have never met Amanda before." Jen led me out and back into the common area where girls were all talking excitedly. This was a far cry from the boy's area where there was usually pushing, shoving, and testosterone dripping from the ceiling in green gooey gobs. The conversation stopped when we entered the room. "Everyone, this is Amanda Jackson. She's staying in room twenty-four." "You're old for being new to the Academy." "I was attending another Academy in New England and was transferred here." The girls were all gathering around. New blood was always interesting. "What's your specialty?" "I'm a late bloomer and I only just received my powers, so I'm not sure yet." "Are you related to Percy? He has the same last name. Is that why you were sent here?" I didn't even know these girls knew about the old me. "Percy has been released from the Academy. He was my cousin." "You sure got the good genes!" I heard some laughter at my old self's expense. Jen stood up for the old me. "I knew Percy a little and he was brilliant and had a great personality." The snarky 'pretty' girl from lunch walked around me trailing her finger lightly across my shoulders. "I'm Samantha, by the way. That's Kelli. And over there is Patricia. You should join us at our table. No need to sit with Jen, she's so plain and boring." "Thanks for the offer, but Jen's my friend and, in my opinion, prettier than all three of you put together." "Fine! But you'll regret your decision." "I doubt it." I saw her concentrate and felt a wave of magic push my way. It was so strange that I could pick apart her magic in my mind. She was trying to cast an ugly glamour over me. I didn't know what to do with it, but I let the magic just fizzle away. She narrowed her eyes at me. "Just got your powers, huh? Glamour blocking is a high level skill. You're lying to us." Jen stepped between us. "Enough, Samantha. You know you're not supposed to cast glamours on other people. Do I need to remind you what the consequences are if you're found out?" Someone from the back laughed and offered some toast to Samantha. "Get that away from me! Bread makes me nauseous and fat!" Samantha turned and left the room with Kelli and Patricia following close on her heels. The other girls laughed as they left and gathered around. They seemed to enjoy asking me questions and were very friendly. Even the Goth girls had smiled at the fact I turned Samantha down. Jen took me back to my room and closed the door behind us. "Thanks for defending me. You really think I'm pretty?" I stammered a little and blushed. "You're the prettiest girl I've ever met, and you defended me first. It just goes to show you how fickle those girls can be. They never even acknowledged me before now they want me to be part of their little clique." "How did you block her glamour?" "I didn't do anything. I thought you might have blocked it for me." "I'm not strong in glamour magic. I wonder if your mixed heritage of Xenomorph and your mother might give you a unique blend of powers. An automatic magic dispersion skill perhaps." "I can't imagine what she intended to do. Have you ever used magic on me?" "No. I would never unless it was to protect or heal you. Why?" I blushed. "Never mind." Before I was attracted to just about any girl that was breathing. Now, I'd be lucky to find a girl that's into girls. To think that a pretty girl like Jen was into girls and she paid attention to me before my change drew me to her like a magnet. I was wondering if it was a magic thing, like a love potion. I'd never had a girlfriend before, but something inside me strongly desired to be with Jen. The feelings were so powerful. I chalked it up to female hormones. "Come on, Amanda. Let's go get dinner." "That's what I need. I'm still starved." I was pleased Jen took my arm in hers. I'd seen other girls do that so I tried not to read much into it. I loved the way my new body felt while walking. The bounce of my hair and breasts and the sway of my hips. The cafeteria was boisterous as usual and I got extra attention from everyone. New kids always did, but I think my looks were playing into it as well. Still starved, I loaded up my plate and sat down with Jen. A few other girls came to sit with us. I was always a loner so this was new to me to have so many people around. "We heard you both get to go off campus tomorrow." "Word travels fast. My luggage never made it and they're letting me go shopping." I felt bad I had to tell the Academy lies. "Have you ever been outside?" "Never, with the exception of what I saw when I was transferred." Yet another lie. "That's so exciting! I'm Becky by the way." "Good evening, ladies." I looked up to see Brad again. I groaned slightly and Jen reached under the table and squeezed my hand. "I think I came on a little too strong earlier. I heard your name's Amanda and you're a transfer from out of state?" "That's right. You've been checking up on me?" "I make it my business to know all of the students here, especially the girls." He gave a sly grin. "So I was thinking maybe we could share desert tonight." Becky had her back to Brad and was mouthing "No!" to me. "Actually, I was invited to go skinny dipping with the girls down by the old mill creek pool tonight. Thanks anyways. Who are you?" "Brad Montgomery. But you can call me Flame. That's what my friends call me." "Well, Brad..." I emphasized his name. "Thanks for coming by and for the offer. Samantha told me she's a huge fan of bread pudding. If you're still looking for companionship for the evening that might be a great opportunity for you." "Really? Thanks for the tip, Amanda. See you around." Jen looked at me and smiled. "You little devil. Skinny dipping at the old mill pool? Bread pudding for Samantha?" "Have you seen the amount of poison ivy growing out there this year? I think Brad and Samantha would make a hot couple, if she doesn't castrate him for bringing her bread pudding." "Be still me fluttering heart. Looks and intelligence." Jen made a point of fanning herself with her hand. I was looking into Jen's eyes and having a personal moment when a commotion across the cafeteria started. Samantha was yelling at Brad who was sheepishly holding a bowl of bread pudding. I ducked my head and started laughing. Brad would be pissed at me but it was worth it and I doubted he'd retaliate if he was interested in winning my heart. Of course, I should be careful. I was a girl now and vulnerable in many ways. Brad probably weighed eighty pounds more than me. We watched as Brad stormed out of the cafeteria. He was having a bad day. Poor guy. That evening, when I got back to my new room, I stood for almost an hour looking at myself in the mirror and running my fingers over my face. I felt such freedom and joy. My smile was plastered on my face and it was certainly a gorgeous smile. I carefully put my dress on a clothes hanger in my small closet and climbed into bed. I didn't want to sleep. I wanted to explore my new body and I was afraid I might wake up to be my old self again. Every movement made me realize I was now a woman. Gone was the uncomfortable feeling of my dangly bits between my legs. Instead I was very aware of the absence and how good that felt. Of course, the weight from my breasts would take some getting used to as they moved from side to side as I rolled in bed. Several times I had to lift my head to shift my hair to keep it from getting caught around my throat or pull it away from my mouth. Try as I might to stay awake, I quickly fell asleep. My body knew it needed more rest. *** The next morning Jen and I arrived at the board room just before seven. My mom was there. She looked at me and smiled widely and ran to hug me. How she knew who I was I'm not sure. Perhaps it's mother's intuition. "Look at you! You're so beautiful!" "They're letting you come with us?" "Yes." "Mom, this is Jen. She's coming too." "Jen." I watched my mom look her over. "You're Bill and Amy's daughter?" "Yes. You know my parents?" "We went to school here together." "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Jackson." "Please, call me Elizabeth." Ms. Baxter arrived with some huge burly dude. "Let's get moving." They led us out to a black Mercedes SUV. I sat in the back middle with my mom to my left and Jen to my right. The burly dude drove and Ms. Baxter rode in the other front seat. This was my first ride in a car and I was fascinated by everything. For the longest time I didn't speak at all as I simply stared out the windows. After a while we came to roads with more and more traffic and finally in the distance was a huge city. I hadn't even noticed for all the excitement, but my mom had been holding my hand the entire time. She leaned over as Ms. Baxter was busy giving our driver directions. "You got my note?" I nodded. I squeezed her hand and leaned over to her. "I understand. I forgive you and dad. I love you." It was all that needed to be said as my mom started to cry. She pulled me into a hug when Ms. Baxter shouted back to us. "None of that. Elizabeth, I'm reminding you of your position here today." "I'm very well aware of my position, thank you. Hugging my daughter after not seeing her in almost twelve years is not harming anyone." Ms. Baxter glared back at my mom then turned to continue guiding the driver. Jen was all excited and pointed out sights all around us. The city was absolutely amazing. It was bustling with people. "Ms. Baxter? How will I buy things?" "I have a credit card. Here's a list you're authorized to buy from." She handed me a list and Jen and I looked it over. One casual and one formal dress. Two skirts and three blouses. One nightgown. Five pairs of panties. Three bras, one of which was strapless. Gym shorts and a top. A sports bra. One pair of jeans. A robe. One pair of runners, one pair of low heeled shoes, one pair of high heeled shoes, and one pair of flip flops. Toiletries and creams. Mascara, lipstick, and eyeshadow. Feminine hygiene items. A brush. A bathing suit (one piece). A rain jacket and a winter jacket. One pair of boots. In addition, the note mentioned to get my hair styled and my nails manicured. "Wow. That's a lot of stuff." "It's just enough to start you off. The rest you'll have to get from the Academy hand-me-downs." We stopped at the largest building I'd ever seen. "What is this place?" "It's called a mall. There are dozens of stores here." We all got out and I just stood and stared. There were so many people and everything was so shiny and modern. "This is amazing!" Jen took my arm in hers which mom noticed with a touch of a smile on her lips. When we walked into the mall I was almost overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and smells. My mom mostly took control under the watchful eyes of Ms. Baxter and the dude. Underwear and bras were first up on the list as apparently the t-shirt thing I wore was not acceptable for trying on clothes. "What's the limit?" My mom asked Ms. Baxter. "Not really a limit as long as we stick to the list." My mom smiled and pulled us down hallways until we stood in front of Victoria's Secret. "An entire store for underwear?" "Not underwear, Percy, lingerie." "Didn't they tell you? Amanda's my new name." My mom smiled. "It's a beautiful name... Amanda..." She let it sit on her tongue contemplatively and reached out to touch my hair. "It suits you." Mom found a store clerk to help us out. Once I was measured Jen and mom went through the store looking for panties and bra sets. I was a little lost to tell the truth. An entire store for ladies underwear. Lingerie, I reminded myself. Soon I was inundated with dozens of things to try on and shuffled into a change room. For some reason mom wasn't allowed alone with me. The first panties and bra set I tried on were sheer red lacey things. I stripped out of my clothes and put them on, struggling some with figuring out the bra. When I glanced at myself in the mirror I almost passed out. This lingerie made me look even more beautiful. The bra pushed up my breasts making them look even larger and the panties helped to highlight my trim and thin waist, but drew my eyes to the gap between my legs. I carefully poked my head out of the change room. "Can someone make sure these fit correct?" Jen rapidly volunteered and my mom smiled and pushed her forward. Jen came giggling into the change room. "Incredible, Amanda." She ran her hands over my hips supposedly checking the fit. She was very flushed and red, her breathing was rapid. "I've got to go... perfect fit. Get those!" She snuck back out. I was hoping she would have stayed, but now I knew that the fit was good. I tried on the other items and made my choices. A red set, a black set, and a white set plus a few additional panties. Before we left Victoria's Secret my mom gave me some nightgowns to try on. I picked one that looked sexy but covered up my intimate areas. I adored the feeling of the silk against my skin. Oddly enough, I wasn't the slightest bit concerned wearing beautiful and very girlie clothing. If anything, I found it comforting. We then left that store and headed to another where I got to try on dresses, skirts, blouses and shoes. We left there with bags of items and I was wearing a casual dress and low- heeled shoes. Jen and mom kept remarking how gorgeous I looked and I loved the attention I was receiving from everyone, especially Jen. I'd never had any attention before. I was somewhat frightened by how much attention I was getting from guys in the mall, but one look from our burly body guard and they steered way clear of us. Several times I spotted an older and a younger man standing together and watching us but I chalked it up to simply being paranoid and overly self-conscious. Our next stop was a sports store. In our fitness classes at school, the boys and girls were always separated, but we did have summer events outside and I noticed that the shorts the girls wore were horrible looking. We did have tightly controlled television and I recalled watching some women's volleyball. Those shorts were what I wanted. When I came out wearing some tight fitting spandex shorts Jen blushed brightly and I knew I found my pair. I also tried on several swim suits and managed to find a red one piece that looked good on me. Actually, whatever I tried on seemed to look good on me. With these items, some t- shirts, and runners, I was good to go with all the clothes. We then headed to the food court to get some lunch. I was so enthralled by all the sights and sounds I hardly even thought about myself or being too self-conscious. Now that we paused for a few moments I took the time to assess my situation. I looked down at my long smooth legs as they left the hem of my dress and felt the movement of my breasts as I adjusted my weight on the chair. My Xenomorph transition did much to facilitate my gender change and make things feel normal for me, but I was still learning about posture and how to sit, especially when I found I had two noticeable bumps on my chest and how they could get in the way of things. The food court was a dream for anyone being raised on the Academy cafeteria food. My mom told us that food here wouldn't be good, but it was delicious. Far better than anything I'd ever had before. We had pizza. Ms. Baxter finally left our sides for a few minutes to go to the bathroom and the burly guy was getting his food. Mom was immediately at my side and whispering to me. "I've got a lot to tell you and not much time. Be very careful in regards to your magic use. The Academy is afraid of you because their magic might not control you like others. Xenomorphs can change their appearance. Not your gender, but depending on your magical strength, your face, skin, eye color, hair length, hair style, and color. It's a real change and not just a glamour. You'll always default to your current look. I'm assuming you'll have a full range of magic, both girl's magic and boy's plus much that no one but Xenomorphs have access to, like unlocking physical locks. I tell you this because if you combine transformation magic with glamours and lock picking, you could look like any woman and have access virtually anywhere. That might be handy if you try to escape one day." "Why tell me all of this?" "The Academy watches those gifted for their magical specialties then work at placing people into society based upon their specialty. Their goal is to have people in high places within the workplaces and government that they can control. This feeds money and power to the Academy directors. Jen's parents are good people and by being benefactors they can act as spies. Some of us want to see an end of the Academy and the power that they concentrate. That's why they don't like me and why your father is a threat to them. He's in a prison cell on campus. With him and you there they have control over me. They don't like me here at all. Remember to only show minor amounts of female magic in your training. Practice everything else on your own. I can't speak any longer. I love you, Amanda!" With that she stepped away just as the burly guy and Ms. Baxter came back. I noticed Ms. Baxter glance at my mom but did nothing. Over the next few hours we purchased jackets, boots, some scary feminine hygiene items, toiletries, and my mom bought Jen and I some snacks to bring back to the other girls. Finally we went to a spa and I was treated to a hair trim, style, manicure, pedicure, and some makeup. Mom paid separately for Jen and herself to have a manicure. I saw mom talking at length with Jen. I wondered what they might be talking about. By the time we were done for the day I looked and felt amazing. The lessons from school could never fully explain what life outside the Academy was like. Jen took my arm in hers as we headed back to the car. We put all our purchases into the back and we just opened the passenger doors when two black vans pulled up and a dozen men and women jumped out. Mom, Jen, and I were grabbed and pushed into our SUV. Ms. Baxter and the burly dude were dragged out and dumped unceremoniously on the pavement. I could feel Ms. Baxter hurling magic at our attackers and watched several of the attackers simply turn and walk away. I watched as the burly guy got into a fight with a much smaller young woman and the woman was beating him easily. The men I spotted earlier in the mall jumped into the SUV and drove us off rapidly with the vans following closely behind. "It's about time!" My mom said to the driver. "Relax, Elizabeth. We had to wait until the time was right. This went very smooth." I watched as the men's faces morphed and their hair color changed. They were Xenomorphs! "What's going on?" The younger man looked back at me and smiled. I watched his eyes travel up and down my body lustfully. "We're taking you to safety, princess." "Mom?" "It's alright sweetheart. These are friends. They're here to protect you." "What about all that stuff you shared with me back at the mall? Are you even my mother? I've been watched and protected all of my life!" "I'm sorry, Amanda. In case this rescue didn't work out you needed to know those things. Of course I'm your mother. You haven't been protected, you've been analyzed and in prison your whole life." "Just let Jen and me go." The older gentleman spoke up. "I guarantee you, princess, that no one will be harmed and after you hear us out, if you still want to leave, you can." Jen was confused and looked scared. "Why are you calling Amanda princess?" My mom answered her. "Because Amanda's father is not just any Xenomorph, he's their king." "Is there anything about my life that I know is the truth?" "Just hang in there a little longer, sweetheart. Everything will be shared with you soon." Jen was looking at me wide-eyed and she hung onto my hand like her life depended on it. I focused on her hand touching mine and I leaned over and put my head on her shoulder and started to cry. It was all too much. Being a boy, then being told I was some rare and unique blend of mythical creatures akin to a unicorn, becoming a girl, finding out I was a prisoner and a princess. My mom reached out to hold my hand. Everyone went very quiet. Jen held me protectively and stroked my hair. It was two hours later that we pulled into the driveway of an enormous complex with a giant wood-framed house. The grounds were immaculate and my eyes were immediately drawn to the flashy sports cars sitting outside. The young man turned towards me. "Welcome home, princess." We got out of the SUV and people immediately surrounded us. Some were ordered to take the clothes and items we purchased up to my room while others were told to dispose of the SUV. Still others communicated that we weren't followed and there was no police activity on the scanners. Some people looked at me and tipped their heads. They greeted mom warmly. "Come on, Jen and Amanda." Jen's hand was still in mine when she let out a little squeal. She let go and ran forward into the arms of her parents. I recognized them from her photo in her room. "Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?" "It's a long story, Jen. Come inside." They put their arm around Jen casually and she paused, turned and ran back to me. She took my hand in hers and I watched her parents look me over. I got the feeling like they might be a little annoyed at me even though I'd never met them before. We moved inside the main building and I was enraptured by the beauty of the place. Tall vaulted ceilings with skylights were supported by varnished tree trunks. The entire place looked like a giant log cabin with a huge stone fireplace in the middle, a waterfall ran down one wall into a pool. Large leather couches sat in a circular fashion next to the floor to ceiling windows that opened to incredible mountain views. We were directed to sit on the couches. I sat down with Jen and mom was next to me as well. Across from me were the two men from the mall, Jen's parents, and the young woman that fought the big guy. I couldn't believe she bested a man nearly three times her weight. She was pretty and had lots of curves, wore skintight black leather pants and top and had her blond hair in a ponytail. She eyed me with skepticism. There were more people as well that took seats all around us. The older gentleman spoke and everyone went silent. "First and foremost, I want to congratulate those that participated in the rescue and to welcome our princess to her home." There was cheering and I was feeling very out of place. Did he just say this was my home? "Let me start with a little background. My name is Harold Matthews. Amanda, it was twenty years ago that your mother escaped the Academy and met your father, our King, Mathias Jackson. Mathias was quite smitten with your mother as she was of him. Our community of Xenomorphs is quite small, no more than a few thousand in all of the United States and ten thousand around the world. This is a very small number in comparison to the magic user community of nearly one million worldwide. The chances of a Xenomorph and a magic user mating are exceptionally small and we've never heard of offspring resulting." "While we live our lives in peace with society and with the magic users, I can't say the same for the Academy. They've been trying to map the physiology of Xenomorphs for more than a hundred years. Their purpose is rather nefarious. The Academy controls all the magic users and I'm sure Jen's parents and Elizabeth can attest that their classes for re- integration into society are rather unique. It's a form a brainwashing. Magic users are controlled through mental manipulation and sent into the workforce only to be called upon by the Academy to be used to move their agenda forward." I turned to Jen. "You knew about this?" "No. I was to start the re-integration classes next week. I've heard that they're very strange, using headsets, lights, and magic." "So why are they interested in Xenomorphs?" Harold continued. "Because of our transformational ability to change our looks. We can do so for short periods of time. What they want to do is find the key to our magic, merge it with theirs, and have long lasting transformations. That's why they want you so badly. You have something they're very interested in. You're a Xenomorph from your father, but your mother is a strong magic user. The merged characteristics of you make you a perfect specimen to study." "So they wanted to dissect me? I find that hard to believe. Why send me to get clothes if all they wanted to do was put me under a microscope?" "Dissection is the correct term, but not in a physical sense. They wanted your cooperation, to appear as your provider. Your special classes would analyze your magic and Xenomorph abilities." Oddly at a time I was listening to this I looked down at my legs and I was sitting like any woman would normally sit. My legs were crossed protecting my vanity with my short dress. I looked back at Harold. "Why? What's their purpose to all of this?" "To take over the world. If they could merge the magic types to create lasting transformation, they could take over the presidency and ultimately every high office in the world. Amanda, you're key to their plans." "Why are my parents here?" Jen's mom came over and sat next to Jen and hugged her. "We went to the Academy with Elizabeth. We were all in our re-integration classes together when we realized what was happening. We used wax to make earplugs so we wouldn't listen to the sounds and we watched our classmates slowly become submissive to the Academy's will. We covered for Elizabeth when she escaped. Eventually we left the Academy and we reconnected with her. We've stayed on, even playing a role on the board so we can have visibility into the Academy's goals. What they're saying is all true, sweetheart." I frowned. "My father? They have him?" My mom squeezed my hand. "They've tried breaking him for the past eighteen years. He's primarily collateral to hold you there." "And what will they do to him if they no longer have me?" My mom looked really worried. "I don't know, Amanda." "Is he somewhere at the Academy?" "Yes. I think he's in rooms under the administration building." "Then I'm going back." "No!" I glared at Harold. "You're unprepared, untrained. You wouldn't survive if you were caught and you'll play right into their hands." I thought for a minute as the room stayed silent. "What if we make it sound like I escaped all of you and you were hunting me? We could leak that an eighteen year old girl matching my description was spotted in the city. Let the Academy find me and take me back. If we did it right, we could have a few days here for some basic training and preparations. I'm not stupid and somehow I can see magic and respond to it. With me back at the Academy, they wouldn't harm my dad and I could find a way to free him." "There's no way, Amanda. People train all